Age Classification

There are Seven different age classifications that the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has set. These seven are:


'U' (Universal- Suitable for everyone): A 'U' film should be suitable for audiences aged 4 years and over. All 'U' films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or terror.

Discrimination- There should be no discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.

Drugs- There should be no reference to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous. Also if it is for a clear educational purpose only or anti-drug message suitable for young children.

Horror- Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.

Imitable Behaviour- There should be no potential behaviour which young children are likely to copy. Also there should be no emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language- Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.

Nudity- Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex- Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, 'making love').

Theme- While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.

Violence- There should be mild violence only or occasional mild threat or menace only.

'PG' (Parental Guidance- General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children): Children of any age unaccompanied may watch a 'PG' film. A 'PG' film should not disturb a child aged eight or older. It is up to the parent to decide whether the content may upset their younger or more sensitive children.

Discrimination- Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context. Discrimination by a character with which children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs- References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or must carry a suitable anti-drug message.

Horror- Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.

Imitable Behaviour- There should be no detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. Also there should be no glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language- Mild bad language only is allowed.

Nudity- Natural nudity is allowed but must not have sexual context.

Sex- Sexual activity may be implied but should be discreet and infrequent. There should be mild sex references and innuendo only.

Theme- Where more serious issues are featured (for example, domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour.

Violence- Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).

'12A'/ '12' (Suitable for 12 years and over): It is the exact same criteria that classifies both '12A' and '12'. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable for those aged 12 and over. Children under the age of 12 may find these catagories upsetting or their parents may feel it is unsuitable for them.

The '12A' catagory exists for cinema films only. No one younger than the age of 12 can see a '12A' film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult.

The '12' catagory for video works only. No one yonger than the age of 12 can buy or rent a '12' rated vidio work.